Modular boat system

ABSTRACT

This invention is a system of modular floating deck sections to provide additional deck space for a primary powered boat such as a houseboat or a cabin cruiser. The deck sections are removably hinged to the primary boat such that they can be towed by the boat during cruising, or detached for independent operation in the water when the primary boat is stopped at a selected location. In the transportation mode, the floating deck sections are winched aboard and carried by the primary boat. The modular floating deck sections are easily disassembled and stored in a small package when not in use.

United States Patent [191 Metcalf, Jr. et a1.

[451 Jan. 7, 1975 1 MODULAR BOAT SYSTEM [22] Filed: May 31, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 365,541

[52] US. Cl. ll4/43.5, 9/2 F, 114/.5 BD, 114/77 R, 114/235 R [51] Int. Cl B63b 35/44 [58] Field 01 Search 114/43.5, 45, 230, 231, 114/235 R, 61, .5 BD, 77 R, .5 F; 115/1 B; 9/2 F, 2 S

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,357,473 11/1920 Rau 114/235 R 2,747,536 5/1956 Russell 114/77 R 2,987,024 6/1961 Rush 114/.5 F 3,019,755 2/1962 Diamond 114/77 R 3,126,855 3/1964 Freeburg 114/.5 BD 3,152,569 10/1964 Gehlen et a1. 114/43.5 3,173,160 3/1965 Jacobson 9/2 F 3,216,388 11/1965 Smith 1l4/43.5

as ,45 I ,48

41, 44 44, J 50 52 t 52 J (50 2 L Szabo 114/235 R 3,347,201 10/1967 3,411,169 11/1968 Guerke 114/43.5 3,630,163 12/1971 Williams 114/61 3,659,546 5/1972 Miklos 114/235 R FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 709,400 7/1941 Germany 114/61 Primary ExaminerTrygve M. Blix Assistant Examiner-Galen L. Barefoot Attorney, Agent, or FirmStanley S. Lerner [57] ABSTRACT This invention is a system of modular floating deck sections to provide additional deck space for a primary powered boat such as a houseboat or a cabin cruiser. The deck sections are removably hinged to the primary boat such that they can be towed by the boat during cruising, or detached for independent operation in the water when the primary boat is stopped at a selected location. In the transportation mode, the floating deck sections are winched aboard and carried by the primary boat. The modular floating deck sections are easily disassembled and stored in a small package when not in use.

1 Claim, 21 Drawing Figures Patented Jan. 7, 1975 7 Sheets-Sheet 1 Patented Jan. 7, 1975 '7 Sheets-Sheet 2 .IIIIIIIIIIIIIL lllllllll.

Patented Jan. 7, 1975 3,858,541

7 Sheets-Sheet 5 I I I I 1| Patented Jan. 7, 1975 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 I lOB Patented Jan. 7, 1975 v 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 Patented Jan. 7, 1975 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 Patented Jan. 7; 1975 7 Sheets-Sheet 7 Illlllll'll'lll MODULAR BOAT SYSTEM BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Outside deck space in houseboats and cabin cruisers is usually limited to a narrow peripheral area surrounding the central superstructure containing the living and sleeping quarters. This problem of limited outside deck space is especially acute in houseboats, where large groups of people may occupy the boat at a given time.

When a houseboat or other primary powered boat is stopped at a selected location in a river, lake, or other waterway, there arises a need for auxiliary local water transportation to transport passengers to and from the shore, to fishing or recreation areas closeby, etc. Houseboats generally tow a dinghy for such local water transportation. Because of their small size, such din ghies have a limited passenger capacity and no auxiliary deck space whatsoever. U.S. Pat. No. 3,659,546 to L. F. Miklos shows a pontoon boat having a motorboat encapsulated therein for propulsion of both boats. The motorboat is separable from the pontoon boat for local water transportation of passengers to and from the pontoon boat.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is a modular boat system which provides additional floating deck space for a primary powered boat, such as a houseboat or cabin cruiser, as well as providing auxiliary local water transportation to and from the primary powered boat. Modular floating deck sections are removably hinged to a primary powered boat such that they can be towed by the boat during cruising, or detached for independent operation in the water when the primary boat is stopped at a selected location. This hinged configuration of modular deck sections is exceptionally versatile in that it greatly extends the deck space available to passengers on the primary boat, as well as providing local water transportation via a detached deck section having substantial deck space and passenger capacity of its own.

A winch mounted on the primary boat enables the folding deck sections to be raised from the water, folded about their abutting hinges, and winched aboard the primary boat when it is desired to cruise to some distant location. The fact that the deck sections can be carried aboard the primary boat is a significant advantage in long distance cruising because of the decreased drag in the water and resulting gain in speed and fuel economy. In addition, there is a considerable savings in docking costs because the deck sections are stored on the primary boat.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is a principal object of this invention to provide a modular boat system for increasing the available deck space of a primary powered boat by means of modular floating deck sections removably attached thereto.

Another object of this invention is to provide a modular floating deck section capable of independent propulsion through the water.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent by reference to the accompanying drawings and description of a preferred embodiment DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a side view of the modular boat system showing a primary powered boat towing two modular floating deck sections;

FIG. 2 is a side view showing how the floating deck sections of FIG. 1 are folded and winched aboard the primary powered boat;

FIG. 3 is a side view showing one of the floating deck sections detached for independent propulsion through the water;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the floating deck sections;

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view along plane A-A in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is an end view of a floating deck section;

FIG. 7 is a top view of the frame construction of the floating deck sections;

FIG. 8 is a cross secional view along plane C-C in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view along plane B-B in FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view along plane DD in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a top view of an auxiliary boat mooredinboard of the deck sections;

FIG. 12 is a bow-on view of the moored auxiliary boat of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a detailed top view of the hinge joining the stern of the primary boat with the first floating deck section;

FIG. 14 is a cross sectional view along plane E-E in FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a side view of the hinge in FIG. 13;

FIG. 16 is a top view of the hinge joining adjacent floating deck sections;

FIG. 17 is a side view of the hinge in FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is an enlarged detail view of the hinge in FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a top view of the motor mounting plate and diagonal braces;

FIG. 20 is an end view of the motor mounting plate in FIG. 19; and

FIG. 21 is a cross sectional view along plane F-F in FIG. 20.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a primary powered boat 30, such as a houseboat or cabin cruiser, upon which is mounted a winch 32. A first floating deck section 34 is removably hinged to the stern of boat 30 by means of binge 36. A second floating deck section 38 is removably hinged to the stern of deck section 34 by means of hinge 40. Each of floating deck sections 34 and 38 include a deck surface 42 supported above the water by floatation members 44 which are preferably filled with a buoyantfoam, such as polystyrene, but which may also be hollow. The height of deck surface 42 above the water can be adjusted to be the same as that of the deck on primary boat 30 such that passengers can transfer from the primary boat to the floating deck sections without having to step up or down. Pipe stanchions 46 are removably set in sockets (not shown in this view) provided in deck surfaces 42 and support an overhead canopy 48 which is preferably made of a strong flexible material that can be easily removed from stanchions 46 and rolled up for storage.

Guard rails 50 and security chains 52 are provided for the safety of passengers moving on and between deck sections 34 and 38. In addition, ladders 54 are provided for the convenience of swimmers entering or leaving the water. An outboard motor 56 is mounted on the stern of deck section 38, but could equivalently be mounted on the stern of'deck section 34 if desired. A special motor mounting plate 58 is provided which can be interchangeably installed on the stern of either deck section 34 or 38.

FIG. 2 shows the manner in which deck sections 34 and 38 are folded up and winched aboard boat 30 when it is desired to cruise to some'distant location. The superstructures of both deck sections, including stanchions 36, canopy 48, railing 50, chain 52, and ladder 54, are first removed and stored aboard boat 30 together with motor 56. As will be explained later, movable deck panels forming part of deck surfaces 42 are preferably folded back to provide unhampered visibility in the aft direction from boat 30. A cable 60 is then run between winch 32 and the stern of deck section 38. Upon turning the winch drum, cable 60 raises deck section 38 out of the water and rotates it about hinge 40 such that the stern describes an are 62. Once past the vertical position, cable 60 is detached from the stern of deck section 38, which is then lowered by hand until it comes to rest in an inverted position 38 on top of deck section 34. Cable 60 is then reattached to the stern of deck section 34, and the two folded deck sections are raised out of the water and rotated about hinge 36 such that an are 62' is described. The folded deck sections are brought to rest in an inclined position aboard boat 30 with deck section 34 uppermost in an inverted position designated 34. The deck sections are then secured to boat 30 with suitable lashing (not shown), and the boat is then ready for cruising to a more distant location. Once the location is reached, the foregoing procedure is reversed to lower deck sections 34 and 38 back into the water.

As mentioned previously, the versatility of the present modular boat system is enhanced because any one, or both, of the floating deck sections can be detached from the primary boat for independent operation in the vvater.,FIG. 3 shows deck section 38, with motor 56 mounted thereon, detached from deck section 34 and primary boat 30 for independent propulsion through the water. As will be explained later, hinge 40 is specially designed for easy detachment of deck section 38. Hinge 36 is similarly designed for easy detachment of deck section 34 from primary boat 30. Although FIG. 3 shows only deck section 38 detached for independent operation, it will be understood that deck section 34 can also be detached for independent operation with motor 56 mounted thereon. If desired, the twohinged deck sections can be detached from primary boat 30 to operate as a combined unitary deck section having twice the deck area than either one section alone.

FIG. 4 is top view of hinged deck sections 34 and 38 with all superstructure removed for an unobstructed view. A planar deck surface is formed by fixed deck panels 64 and movable deck panels 66 which are hinged to deck panels 64 by means of extended hinges 68. As shown in FIG. 5, hinges 68 are preferably of a heavy duty piano-hinge type for supporting movable deck panels 66 along their entire length. Alternatively, a number of separate hinges may be distributed along the length of deck panels 66. This alternative offers the option of having removable hinge pins such that deck panels 66 may be completely detached from deck panels 64, if desired.

FIG. 6 is an end view ofa floating deck section showing how movable deck panels 66 can be rotated about hinges 68 and folded back against fixed deck panels 64. In this folded back position, the inboard water area between floatation members 44 is accessible to passengers on the deck section. In the closed position, deck panels 66 meet in the centerline of the deck section to provide a smooth unbroken deck surface for use by passengers.

FIG. 7 is a top view showing the frame construction of the floating deck sections. Structural channel members 70 are welded, or otherwise fastened together, to form rigid rectangular deck frames 72. The deck frames are held in parallel spaced relation a desired distance apart by extendable transverse tie bars 74 and 74. Cross-bracing to prevent parallelogram shifting of the deck frames with respect to one another is provided by extendable diagonal braces 76. A motor 'mounting plate 58 is shown substituted for a transverse tie bar at the stern of deck section 38; this motor mounting plate could equivalentlybe substituted for a tie bar at the stern of deck section 34. Tie bars 74 can be detached at either end and swung back against frames 72 as indicated by the arcs. Similarly, motor mounting plate 58 is constructed in separate halves, each of which can be swung back against frames 72. Diagonal braces 76 are removable at their points of attachment to frames 72. This feature of easily detachable tie bars and diagonal braces permits frames 72 to be quickly separated for storage, and also clears the inboard water area when it is desired to moor an auxiliary boat therein, as will be explained later. A lateral stiffening member 78, shown in dotted outline, is slid into adjacent outboard channel members 70 to increase the lateral rigidity of the hinged deck frames. As shown in FIG. 8, stiffening member 78 is locked into place against channel members 70 by an integral threaded stud 80, which protrudes through a slot in the outboard surface of channel member 70, and an internallythreaded locking handle 82. When it is desired to fold deck frames 72 for storage, handle 82 is loosened to unlock stiffener 78 from channel member 70, and stiffener 78 is then slid out. The hinged deck frames can then be folded for storage as a unit. If desired, the pin of binge 40 can be removed so that the frames can be separated and-stored independently. Complete takedown of the deck frames for storage in a small package is easily accomplished by detaching or removing tie bars 74 and 74', diagonal braces 76, motor mounting plate 58, and the pin of hinge 40. The deck frames can then be stored as four separate units fitting into a relatively small space.

FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view along plane BB in FIG. 7 (in this view floatation members 44 are partially shown, as well as fixed deck panels 64). Tie bars 74 and 74' consist of inner and outer telescoping tubes 84 and 86 respectively, preferably of square or rectangular cross section for maximum torsional rigity. The inner and outer tubes are locked together at a desired extended length by bolts 88 which pass through both tubes via a plurality of holes regularly spaced along the inner and outer tubes (holes not shown for clarity). When the desired extended length is obtained, corresponding holes in the inner and outer tubes are brought into register, and bolts 88 are passed through and tightened. Outer tube 86 terminates in a flattened tongue 90 which projects into a clevis 92 fastened to inboard channel member 70. Tongue 90 is pivotably connected within clevis 92 by means of a clevis pin 94 passing therethrough. Similarly, inner tube 84 terminates in a clevis 96 into which projects a flattened tongue 98 fastened to inboard channel member 70.. Tongue 98 is pivotably connected within clevix 96 by means of a clevis pin 100 passing therethrough. By means of this tongue and clevis arrangement, tie bars 74 can be detached at either end from frames 72 and swung back against the frames,or else can be disconnected at both ends from the frames and stored separately. Similarly, diagonal braces 76 can be detached at either end and swung back against the deck frames, or else can be disconnected at both ends and removed entirely. FIG. is a cross section showing the square configuration of inner and outer tubes 84 and 86 which increase the torsional rigidity of the tie bars.

As mentioned previously, one of the features of the present modular boat system is that provision is made for mooring an auxiliary boat inboard of the floating deck sections. FIG. 11 shows an outboard-powered runabout 102 moored inboard of the floating deck sections by means of mooring lines 104. All supersturcture, such as stanchions 46 and canopy 48, are not shown in FIG. 11 for clarity, although in actual use such superstructure would be present (stanchion sockets 105 are shown). In order to clear the inboard water area for mooring an auxiliary boat such as shown in FIG. 11, movable deck panels 66 are first folded back against fixed deck panels 64, and tie bars 74 and diagonal braces 76 are then detached at one end and swung back against frames 72, or else removed entirely if desired. Similarly, the two halves of motor mounting plate 58 are unbolted and swung back against deck frames 72. Auxiliary boat 102 can then be moved into the cleared inboard water area and moored to the deck sections. As will be explained later, hinge 36 at the forward end of deck section 34 is specially constructed to permit lateral expansion of the deck sections such that auxiliary boats of different width can be accomodated. This lateral expansion feature is shown in FIG. 11 by the dotted outline of a wider auxiliary boat 102' together with the corresponding dotted outlines of the deck sections in the laterally expanded position accomodating wider boat 102. If desired, the'bow of boat 102 can be moved into contact with the forward end of the deck section as shown by the dotted bow outline 102". In this configuration the outboard motor of boat 102 contributes to the propulsive thrust provided by the primary powered boat 30 because of the physical contact between boat 102 and the deck section. Alternatively, the outboard motor of boat 102 could be used as the sole source of propulsive thrust. It should be noted that this configuration is unlike the pontoon boat of US. Pat. No. 3,659,546, referred to previously, in that the hull of boat 102 is floating in the water rather than being raised out of the water by a cradle as shown in the referenced patent. FIG. 12 is an end view showing moored boat 102 floating in the water. Also shown in FIG. 12 are pipe stanchions 46, a transverse canopy support rod 106, and a lateral expansion sleeve 108. Support rods 106 provide lateral bracing for the deck sections in FIGS. 11 and 12, since tie rods 74 and diagonal braces 76 which normally provide such bracing have been removed to clear the inboard water area for mooring of boat 102. Expansion sleeve 108 permits support rods 106 to move laterally when the deck sections are expanded to accommodate an auxiliary boat of larger width such as 102'.

FIG. 13 is a detailed top view of hinge 36 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. There are two such hinges, one fastened to each of the fixed deck panels 64, but only the left hinge is shown. The right hinge is identical in construction and symmetrically positioned on the right side of the deck section centerline. FIG. 14 is a cross sectional view along plane EE in FIG. 13, and FIG. 15 is a side view of binge 36. Referring now to FIGS. 13, 14, and 15, hinge 36 is fastened to the stern transom 110 of the primary powered boat 30 (not shown) by bolts 112 which pass through a hinge face plate 114, then through transom 110, and are tightened up against a backing plate 116. A traverse rod 118 is mounted on the forward end of deck panel 64 and passes through the bearing sections 120 of hinge 36. Each of the bearing sections is provided with a replaceable plastic bushing 122 which permits traverse rod 118 to translate laterally through, as well as to rotate within, bearing sections 120 without actual metal-to-metal contact. A locking sleeve 124 is fitted around traverse rod 118 in between bearing sections 120. Sleeve 124 can be locked to traverse rod 118 by means of a locking handle 126 which clamps the sleeve to the traverse rod. As mentioned in connection with FIGS. 11 and 12, the deck sections can be expanded laterally to accomodate moored auxiliary boats of different widths in the inboard water area. This lateral adjustment is accomplished by first unscrewing handle 126 so as to unlock sleeve 124 from traverse rod 118. The deck sections are then expanded (or contracted if required) to the desired position and the handle is tightened to once again lock the position of rod 118 with respect to hinge 36. Hinge 36 features quick-disconnect construction whereby the floating deck sections can be rapidly and easily disconnected from the stern of primary powered boat 30. The details of hinge construction for hinge 36 are similar to those of hinge 40 which are shown in FIGS. 16, 17, and l8.

FIG. 16 is a top view of binge 40 which joins floating deck sections 34 and 38. There are two such hinges (see FIGS. 4 and 7), only one of which is shown in FIG. 16. FIG. 17 is a side view of hinge 40, and FIG. 18 is an enlarged detail view of the hinge seen from the side as in FIG. 17. Referring now to FIGS. l6, l7, and 18, hinge 40 consists of two bearing sections 128 linked by a hinge pin 130. A hinge cover 132 is positioned on top of the hinge and removably fastened to deck panels 64 so as to provide a smooth unbroken surface for passengers on the deck sections. FIG. 18 shows the mechanism whereby hinge pin 130 can be quickly removed so that deck sections 34 and 38 can be uncoupled. Hinge cover 132 is first removed by unfastening it from deck panels 64. Locking knob 134 is then partially unscrewed from locking bolt 136 and swung back on pivot 138 into'the position shown in dotted outline. This free hinge cap 140 which is then lifted up and swung back on pivot 142 as indicated by the arrow. Hinge pin 130 is then removed, thereby uncoupling deck sections 34 and 38. The foregoing procedure is reversed to recouple the deck sections.

FIG. 19 is a top view showing motor mounting plate 58 and diagonal braces 76 fastened to deck frames 72.

The motor mounting plate is constructed as two separate plates 58a and 58b which are fastened into a rigid unitary structure by bolts 144 passing therethrough. Slots 146 are provided in plates 58a and 58b to permit lateral adjustment of the two plates with respect to each other. Plates 58a and 58b are hinged to deck frames 72 by hinges 148a and 148b which are bolted to aft channel members 70. Diagonal braces 76 are hinged independently of plates 58a and 58b such that the braces can be sung back flush against inboard channel members 70. When bolts 144 are withdrawn, plates 58a and 58b can similarly be swung back flush against the inboard channel members to clear the inboard water area for mooring an auxiliary boat as described previously. FIG. 20 shows diagonal braces 76 extending from the lower part of motor mounting plate 58 to the upper part of floatation members 44. This configuration provides maximum bracing of the mounting plate against the rotational moment caused by the weight and propulsive thrust of motor 56. FIG, 21 shows the manner in which motor 56 is clamped to mounting plate 58.

While we have shown and described what we consider to be a preferred embodiment of our invention, it will be apparent that various modifications may be made therein. We therefore intend that the scope of our invention be defined and limited solely by the following claims.

We claim:

1. A modular boat system comprising:

a. a primary powered boat;

b. a first floating deck section removably hnged to thestern of said primary powered boat, said first deck section consisting of first and second deck frames held in parallel spaced relation by the tie bars and diagonal braces extending therebetween, and first and second deck panels forming a planar deck surface between said deck frames, said planar deck surface being supported above the water by floatation members attached to said deck frames;

0. a second floating deck section removably hinged to the stern of said first floating deck section, said second floating deck section consisting of deck frames, tie bars, diagonal braces, deck panels, and floatation members in the same configuration as that of said first floating deck section;

d. lateral stiffening means removably connecting the respective deck frames of said first and second floating deck sections, said stiffening means imparting increased rigidity to said hinged deck sections; and

e. winch means mounted on said primary powered boat for first folding said second floating deck section back upon said first floating deck section, and thence raising both of said deck sections from the water and supporting them upon said primary powered boat. 

1. A modular boat system comprising: a. a primary powered boat; b. a first floating deck section removably hnged to the stern of said primary powered boat, said first deck section consisting of first and second deck frames held in parallel spaced relation by the tie bars and diagonal braces extending therebetween, and first and second deck panels forming a planar deck surface between said deck frames, said planar deck surface being supported above the water by floatation members attached to said deck frames; c. a second floating deck section removably hinged to the stern of said first floating deck section, said second floating deck section consisting of deck frames, tie bars, diagonal braces, deck panels, and floatation members in the same configuration as that of said first floating deck section; d. lateral stiffening means removably connecting the respective deck frames of said first and second flOating deck sections, said stiffening means imparting increased rigidity to said hinged deck sections; and e. winch means mounted on said primary powered boat for first folding said second floating deck section back upon said first floating deck section, and thence raising both of said deck sections from the water and supporting them upon said primary powered boat. 